Astros make first cuts of spring

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Righthander Paul Clemens was the only player on the Astros’ 40-man roster to be cut from big league camp on Sunday, when the Astros made their first round of cuts of this spring.

Nine players were sent to minor league camp. Clemens was technically optioned, while these eight were technically reassigned: RHP Jake Buchanan, RHP Bobby Doran, OF Leo Heras, IF Jonathan Meyer, RHP Jason Stoffel, IF Ronald Torreyes, RHP Nick Tropeano and OF Preston Tucker.

Clemens, 26, made 35 appearances and five starts for the Astros last season, his first in the majors. He went 4-7 with a 5.40 ERA, 49 strikeouts and 26 walks in 73 1/3 innings.

“Well Paul has had mixed reviews at the big leagues,” general manager Jeff Luhnow said. “There’s been times when he’s been very good and times when he’s been in consistent. We just need him to go get steady innings down in the minor leagues and we’re having trouble right now finding innings for everybody. We still see Paul as a starting pitcher, and the best way for us to do that right now is at the minor league level.”

The Astros came to camp with 65 players and now have 56. They’re going to have a logjam of pitching at the end of camp at the high levels of the minors, and they still have a lot of pitchers they need to get innings on the big league side. At a certain point, players aren’t served well if they can’t get into their routines.

“We explained this to him, you know, ‘We didn’t want to leave you here knowing that you are one of the guys that if we have a hiccup in the rotation, because you have experience at the major league level, you’re one of the guys which we’re going to look at,'” manager Bo Porter said.

Ryan McCurdy, a minor league catcher who was helping out on the big league side but was not technically invited to camp, also returned to the minors.

The official minor league game schedule begins March 14, but games are already being played.

“It’s never easy whenever you have to call players in and give them the news that, one, they’re not going to make the opening day roster,” Porter said.

Photo: Carlos Osorio / Associated Press

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March 26: Astros 9, Mets 6

Juan Lagares beats the throw to shortstop and steals second base.

March 26: Astros 9, Mets 6

Juan Lagares beats the throw to shortstop and steals second base.

Photo: Carlos Osorio / Associated Press

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Astros starting pitcher Scott Feldman chases a bunt.

Astros starting pitcher Scott Feldman chases a bunt.

Photo: Carlos Osorio / Associated Press

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Astros left fielder Robbie Grossman jumps but can't reach the two-run home run by Anthony Recker.

Astros left fielder Robbie Grossman jumps but can't reach the two-run home run by Anthony Recker.

George Springer in the dugout before a spring training game between Astros and the Tigers.

George Springer in the dugout before a spring training game between Astros and the Tigers.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Astros RHP Scott Feldman warms up in the second inning.

Astros RHP Scott Feldman warms up in the second inning.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Astros RHP Brad Peacock pitches in the third inning.

Astros RHP Brad Peacock pitches in the third inning.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Carlos Correa turns a double play at second.

Carlos Correa turns a double play at second.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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The Detroit grounds crew performs to "YMCA" between innings.

The Detroit grounds crew performs to "YMCA" between innings.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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George Springer reacts as he strikes out.

George Springer reacts as he strikes out.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Domingo Santana and Gregorio Petit run towards a flyout by Detroit's Austin Jackson.

Domingo Santana and Gregorio Petit run towards a flyout by Detroit's Austin Jackson.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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George Springer hugs Detroit's Nick Castellanos before the start of the game.

George Springer hugs Detroit's Nick Castellanos before the start of the game.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Former Astro Enos Cabell stands during the National Anthem.

Former Astro Enos Cabell stands during the National Anthem.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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George Springer (79) during the National Anthem.

George Springer (79) during the National Anthem.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Christian Rasmussen, 8, of Michigan, waits for autographs.

Christian Rasmussen, 8, of Michigan, waits for autographs.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Matt Teitsma, of Grand Rapids, waits in the outfield for home run balls during batting practice before the game.

Matt Teitsma, of Grand Rapids, waits in the outfield for home run balls during batting practice before the game.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Delino DeShields shags balls in the outfield during batting practice as a fan asks for a ball.

Delino DeShields shags balls in the outfield during batting practice as a fan asks for a ball.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Detroit fans wait for home run balls during batting practice.

Detroit fans wait for home run balls during batting practice.

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A Tigers fan uses his binoculars to watch the game.

A Tigers fan uses his binoculars to watch the game.

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Chris Carter signs autographs before the game.

Chris Carter signs autographs before the game.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Feb. 28: Astros 7, Braves 5

Houston Astros George Springer (79) looks out of the dugout during a spring training game between Houston and Atlanta at Champion Stadium, in Kissimmee, home of the Braves' spring training. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle) less

Feb. 28: Astros 7, Braves 5

Houston Astros George Springer (79) looks out of the dugout during a spring training game between Houston and Atlanta at Champion Stadium, in Kissimmee, home of the Braves' ... more